How do I convert fonts to curves?

Converting fonts to curves, also known as creating outlines, is a straightforward process in graphic design software, and is useful for ensuring text displays correctly regardless of font availability and for editing text as shapes. Here's how you do it in different programs:

Converting Fonts to Curves in Popular Software

Here's a breakdown of how to convert text to curves (outlines) in common design programs:

Software	Menu	Option
CorelDraw	Arrange	Convert to Curves
Adobe Illustrator	Type	Create Outlines
Adobe Photoshop	Layer -> Rasterize -> Type

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's a more detailed look at the process:

• CorelDraw:

  1. Select the text you want to convert.
  2. Go to the "Arrange" menu.
  3. Choose "Convert to Curves."

• Adobe Illustrator:

  1. Select the text you want to convert.
  2. Go to the "Type" menu.
  3. Choose "Create Outlines."

• Adobe Photoshop:

  1. Select the text layer.
  2. Go to the "Layer" menu.
  3. Choose "Rasterize".
  4. Choose "Type".

Why Convert to Curves?

• Font Independence: Ensures that your design will look the same on any computer, regardless of whether the font is installed.
• Shape Editing: Allows you to manipulate each letter as a vector shape, giving you more creative control.
• Avoiding Font Substitution: Prevents font substitutions when sharing files with others.

Practical Insights

• Once you convert text to curves, it is no longer editable as text. You can only manipulate the vector points of the shape.
• Always keep an original copy of your document with editable text.
• Converting to curves is commonly used before sending files to printers or other external services.